I tried to reply, but the words would not come out. Rather, I pressed my face against his shoulder and sucked in a quivering breath.

"It's fine. I'm here now," Alex murmured soothingly, his arms strong and secure around me.

After a moment, he gently pulled away and scooped up Dawson, securing him in the back seat, and guided me into the seat next to the driver. "I do not want to go home," I murmured

Alex's eyes met mine, filled with understanding. "I didn't have any intention of leaving either of you. “We're going to my house."

As we drove, Alex glanced at me like he just remembered something....